Moscow
A planned party and rally in support of gay rights was called off this week, after protesters shouted homophobic slogans and hurled eggs and bottles at workers preparing for the event. The protesters included neo-Nazi skinheads, ardent nationalists, and elderly Russian Orthodox women carrying crosses. A leader of the anti-gay demonstration called it a “peaceful protest against sin,” but police said it turned rowdy when gays began showing up for their rally. Demonstrators chanted “Down with pederasts,” and as projectiles flew, police had to escort some gays to safety. Rally organizers put out the word that others should stay home. Moscow officials said a major gay pride parade planned for later this month would also be canceled because of the disorder it might provoke.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
6 unmissable museum exhibitions to see this fallThe Week Recommends Elizabeth Catlett, Tamara de Lempicka and Marina Abramovic are in the spotlight
-
College admissions data reveals early effects of affirmative action's endIn the spotlight A sneak peek at how the Supreme Court's decision has panned out
-
'Farmland has declined under both parties'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
